The Law of Moses vs. The Grace of Jesus: The Case of Harlots
The Law of Moses vs. The Grace of Jesus: The Case of Harlots
The distinction between the Law of Moses and the grace of Jesus Christ is clearly demonstrated in how harlots (prostitutes) were treated under each system. The Law, given through Moses, emphasized judgment, purity, and separation from sin, while Jesus Christ brought mercy, salvation, and transformation.
The Law of Moses: Judgment and Separation
Under the Mosaic Law, harlotry was considered a grave offense, leading to either execution or exclusion from the congregation. The law set strict standards for moral purity, and any deviation often resulted in severe consequences.
- Harlots Could Be Executed for Certain Sexual Sins
- Leviticus 21:9 (KJV): "And the daughter of any priest, if she profane herself by playing the whore, she profaneth her father: she shall be burnt with fire." - Deuteronomy 22:21 (KJV): "Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father’s house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you."
- Harlots Were Cut Off from Israel
- Deuteronomy 23:17 (KJV): "There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel." - The law forbade prostitution among the Israelites and placed strong penalties on sexual immorality.
- Rahab: An Exception Through Faith
- Despite being a harlot, Rahab was saved because she feared God and acted in faith when she helped the Israelite spies (Joshua 2). - She later became part of Israel and was even included in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
The Grace of Jesus Christ: Mercy and Salvation
Unlike the Mosaic Law, which emphasized punishment and separation, Jesus offered forgiveness and transformation to harlots who repented.
- Jesus Forgave a Sinful Woman
- Luke 7:47 (KJV): "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." - A woman, likely a prostitute, washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, and He forgave her sins.
- Harlots Enter the Kingdom Before Religious Hypocrites
- Matthew 21:31 (KJV): "Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you." - Jesus rebuked the self-righteous Pharisees, stating that harlots who repented would enter heaven before them.
- Jesus Saved the Woman Caught in Adultery
- John 8:7 (KJV): "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." - Instead of condemning the woman, Jesus told her to go and sin no more.
Key Differences Between Moses' Law and Jesus’ Grace Regarding Harlots
| Under Moses (Law) | Under Jesus (Grace) |
|---|---|
| Harlots could be cut off or executed for sexual sins (Leviticus 21:9, Deuteronomy 22:21) | Jesus forgave harlots who repented (Luke 7:47, John 8:11) |
| The Law focused on judgment and external purity | Jesus focused on forgiveness and internal transformation |
| Harlots were excluded from the assembly (Deuteronomy 23:17) | Jesus said harlots enter the Kingdom before self-righteous people (Matthew 21:31) |
| Rahab was an exception because of her faith in God | Many harlots followed Jesus and were saved |
Conclusion
John 1:17 (KJV) summarizes this transition: "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
The Law of Moses was strict, enforcing moral purity through punishment and exclusion. However, Jesus fulfilled the law and brought mercy and redemption to even the worst sinners, including harlots. While the law condemned, Jesus offered salvation through repentance and faith.